Seating in the theater is very comfortable and spacious. Amenities are well laid out for convenience and there are several great restaurants in the same building or within walking distance. Parking for the Historic State Theatre is easily accessible and ranges from the heated underground parking in the same building to many parking ramps within one block of the theater.
The State Theatre opened on the former site of the Walker family homestead on February 5, 1921. The opening night of the theatre included a silent film, newsreel and travelogue.
The theatre cost approximately one million dollars and was designed by Chicago architect J.E.O. Pridmore. The original floor was all glass, which allowed dramatic direct lighting from underneath. The State Theatre boasted the first well driven air-conditioning system in Minneapolis. The system delivered cool air using artesian well water 840 feet underground.
In 1989, the City of Minneapolis purchased the LaSalle block, which included the State Theatre, for 11 million dollars. The State Theatre went through a three year, 8.8 million dollar renovation project. In 1991, the Historic State Theatre reopened and performed the Minnesota Opera's production of Carousel.
The State Theatre seats 1300 on the main floor, with an additional 850 seats in the balcony area.
Since the reopening in 1991, the State Theatre has hosted live Broadway touring productions and concerts, along with select films. The Hennepin Avenue theatre district atmosphere and the great viewing amenities of the Historic State Theatre, make this venue one of the hottest tickets in town!
